Health tips for warfarin treatment

(Inside Aotea, June 2010)

Health tip 1

If you’re on a warfarin treatment, it’s sensible to take care with your diet.

The most important dietary message is consistency, whether it is alcohol, chocolate or vegetables; no bingeing on any one thing. The antiplatelet effect of alcohol increases the risk of major bleeding, even if your warfarin levels are acceptable.

Aim to eat a relatively consistent amount of vitamin K each week. The highest amount of vitamin K is found in green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. It is not necessary to avoid these foods; however, it is important to try to keep the amount of vitamin K you eat consistent. Eating an increased amount can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.

Health tip 2

Excessive anticoagulation while taking warfarin can sometime cause bleeding but there are some very simple steps you can take to decrease that risk:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Floss with waxed floss rather than unwaxed floss
• Shave with an electric razor rather than a blade
• Take care when using sharp objects, such as knives and scissors
• Avoid activities that have a risk of falling or injury (for example contact sports)

(From the Pharmacy Department and Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass, United States)